Delmarva Power has been closely monitoring the wintry mix of hazardous weather that has reached the Diamond State in anticipation of possible power outages.

The National Weather Service is predicting that Delaware will experience rain, high winds and snow this evening. It has also issued a coastal flood watch into Saturday.

Storms can bring down tree limbs onto power lines, causing power outages, Delmarva spokesman Nicholas J. Morici said. As such, Delmarva Power will schedule and adjust its workforce to respond to any outages that may occur.

In the meantime, Delmarva Power urges customers to stay safe and offers the following preparation and safety tips:

• Have adequate prescription medicines or infant supplies on hand.

• If you or someone you know uses life-support equipment that requires electricity to operate, identify a location with emergency power capabilities and make plans to go there during a prolonged outage.

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.

• Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water and have a hand-operated can opener available.

• Have a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and won't work if there is an outage.

• Turn off power to flood-prone basement appliances if it is safe to do so. However, if you have an electrically operated sump pump, you should not turn off your power.

• Fill your gas tank so you can run your automobile to charge mobile devices. Be sure to open garage doors using manual controls to run the vehicle safely.

Safety Tips

• Tune in to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.

• Follow the advice of your local emergency management officials.

• If you need to use a portable generator, follow the manufacturer's instructions and use only when necessary. Don't overload it and turn it off at night while you sleep and when you are away from home.

• Take cover if necessary.

• Stay away from downed wires. Assume any downed wire is energized.

• To report an outage or downed wire, call 1-800-898-8042 or report through our mobile app or our website, delmarva.com.

For our Natural Gas Customers:

• Delmarva Power advises customers that if you notice a strong natural gas odor, or if there is other evidence of a natural gas leak, do not enter the premises.